Emergency response training and exercise facility

ABSTRACT

An emergency response training and exercise facility and complex. The emergency response training and exercise facility includes a site facility and preferably a plurality of modular units to provide one or more simulated disaster environments or scenarios.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an emergency response training andexercise facility configured to simulate one or more disasterenvironments or scenarios.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a need for training and exercise facilities and complexesfor training and exercising personnel. It is highly desirable that suchfacilities and complexes can be modified, altered, rearranged, orotherwise changed to simulate different disaster environments orscenarios.

There have been attempts in the past to provide mobile trainingfacilities for training personnel. Typically, these mobile facilitiesinclude a single separate trailer, which can be hauled from one locationto another location. Further, some of these trailers are provided withfacilities to provide fire and smoke within the trailers to simulate afire.

However, none of these current mobile facilities are significant insize, and are limited in their ability to be reconfigured or otherwisechanged. Thus, there exists a need for a full scale facility tosimulated more real types of disaster environments, and easilyreconfigurable to provide different types of disaster environments orscenarios.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention to provide an improved emergencyresponse training facility.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an improvedemergency exercise facility.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an improvedemergency response training and exercise facility.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility, including a plurality ofmodular units configured to simulate at least one disaster environmentor scenario, and a site facility having a plurality of modular unitreceivers configured to receive a plurality of modular units in aparticular arrangement within the site facility.

A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility, including a plurality ofmodular units configured to simulate at least one disaster environmentor scenario, and a site facility having a plurality of modular unitreceivers configured to receive the plurality of modular units in amatrix arrangement.

A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility, including a plurality ofmodular units configured to simulate at least one disaster environmentor scenario, the modular units being cargo shipping containers fittedout to simulate at least one disaster environment when assembledtogether, the modular units being configured to provide egress andingress from one modular unit to an adjacent modular unit when assembledtogether, and a site facility having a plurality of elongated modularunit receivers configured to receive the plurality of modular units in athree dimensional (3-D) matrix multi-level or multi-story or multi-tierarrangement so that once the modular units are installed into the sitefacility the modular units will be arranged parallel relative to eachother and located side-by-side and above-and-below relative to eachother, the site facility configured to secure the modular units togetherto provide an integrated fix three dimensional (3-D) multi-tiersimulated disaster environment, the site facility being configured withthe plurality of modular unit receivers being open to one side of thesite facility to allow the plurality of modular units to be loaded intothe plurality of modular unit receivers with lifting equipment forassembly of the emergency response training and exercise facility.

A seventh object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility using modular units that arecargo shipping containers fitted out to simulate at least one disasterenvironment, the cargo shipping containers being provided with one ormore openings configured to provide egress and ingress with one or moreadjacent cargo shipping containers when installed into the sitefacility.

A eighth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility wherein the site facility is abuilding provided with a plurality of modular unit receivers.

A ninth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility wherein the site facility is anopen framework configured to provide a plurality of modular unitreceivers to support a plurality of modular units.

A tenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility wherein the open framework is asteel post and beam framework configured to define a plurality ofmodular unit receivers and configured to support a plurality of modularunits when assembled within the site facility, the site facility beingprovided with a facade to simulate a building on at least one side ofthe site facility.

A eleventh object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility, wherein the site facility isconfigured so that a plurality of modular units are supported and reston at least one set of horizontal cross beams when installed into thesite facility.

A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility wherein a steel post and beamsteel framework is provided with horizontal cross beams on both a frontside and back side of a site facility to directly support a plurality ofmodular units.

A thirteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility wherein a site facility isprovided with a facade configured to simulate a front of a building, thefacade being connected to and anchored to a steel post and beamframework.

A fourteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including a simulated facadehaving at least one selected from the group consisting of glass panels,metal panels, concrete panels, plastic panels, fiberglass panels,composite panels, concrete slabs, windows, doors, brick and mortar andstucco.

A fifteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility, including a steel reinforcedpoured concrete structure having concrete floors and walls configured todefine a plurality of modular unit receivers and capable of supporting aplurality of modular units.

A sixteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including modular unit receiversare located side-by-side.

A seventeenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including modular unit receiverslocated above-and-below.

A eighteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including modular unit receiverslocated side-by-side and above-and-below.

A nineteenth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including modular unit receiversarranged in multiple tiers.

A twentieth object of the present invention is to provide an emergencyresponse training and exercise facility including modular unit receiverslocated in both a vertical and horizontal three dimensional (3-D) matrixarrangement.

A twenty-first object of the present invention is to provide anemergency response training and exercise facility including a modularsite facility configured to be assembled on site.

A twenty-second object of the present invention is to provide anemergency response training and exercise facility including modularunits configured to be locked together when installed into a sitefacility.

A twenty-third object of the present invention is to provide anemergency response training and exercise facility according wherein theemergency training facility is configured to provide disaster trainingfor at least one selected from the group consisting of fire, rescue,smoke, explosion, hazardous materials, emergency medical, police, FBI,CIA, ATF, homeland security, terrorism, assault, battle and war.

The present invention is to provide an emergency training and exercisefacility. The emergency response training and exercise facilityaccording to the present invention can be a part or portion of anemergency response training and exercise complex according to thepresent invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the emergency response training and exercisefacility is provided with a control tower for use in emergency responsetraining and exercise for the entire emergency response training andexercise complex. Thus, the emergency response training and exercisefacility according to the present invention is a subunit or subcomponentof the emergency response training and exercise complex according to thepresent invention.

The emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention includes at least one mobile unit in combination witha site facility. The mobile unit is preferable configured to simulate atleast one disaster environment or scenario, or more preferably aplurality thereof. In embodiments of the emergency training and exercisefacility having multiple modular units, each modular unit can beconfigured to simulate the same disaster environment or scenario (i.e.to train multiple groups of personnel on the same disaster environment).Alternatively, the modular units can be configured to each providedifferent disaster environments or scenarios. As a further alternative,the modular units can be configured to provide a single largerintegrated disaster environment or scenario or a portion thereof whenthe modular units are assembled and integrated together.

In a preferred embodiment of the emergency exercise and trainingfacility using multiple modular units, preferably the multiple modularunits can be rearranged relative to each other to simulate a newdisaster environment or scenario, or provide a different layout of thesame type of disaster environment or scenario.

The modular units are preferably configured to be modular, mobile andeasily transported by truck, trailer, rail, ship, air, or otherconventional transport means. Preferably the modular units are made fromcargo shipping containers, in particular standard sized new or usedcorrugated steel shipping containers, currently used in the shippingindustry, and then prefabricated and/or fitted out with a wide varietyof different materials and/or equipment to simulate a wide variety ofdisaster environments or scenarios. For example, the corrugated steelwalls of the shipping container can be cut open and fitted with doors,widows, openings, hatches, panels, holes, or other modifications to theexisting corrugated steel wall. The interior of the shipping containercan be provided with walls, partitions, facilities, equipment, fixtures,furniture, flooring, ceiling, plumbing, electrical service, telephoneservice, internet service, satellite service, cable service, officeequipment, fire generating equipment, smoke generating equipment,simulated explosion equipment, lighting fixtures, siren equipment, bellequipment, stereo equipment, intercom equipment, computer equipment andother equipment necessary or required to simulate a wide variety ofdisaster environments or scenarios.

In preferred embodiments, the outer walls of the shipping containers arenot extended, added to, removed, or otherwise significantly modified sothat the cargo shipping container modular unitss can be easilytransported in the various manners as described above, and thenassembled within the site facility according to the present invention.

The cargo shipping container type modular units can be prefabricatedand/or fitted out at one location, and then transported to the desiredsite for assembly with the previously constructed site facility.

The site facility according to the present invention can be constructed(e.g. with parts, components and materials) at a particular site, andconstructed to be a substantially stationary or fixed structure.Alternatively, the site facility according to the present invention canbe configured to be modular and mobile. For example, portions of thesite facility can be prefabricated at one location and then transportedto the desired site location for later assembly.

A preferred embodiment of the site facility according to the presentinvention includes a steel post and beam construction, more preferably acommercial grade steel post and beam construction, assembled together toprovide an open framework at the site location. Preferably, at least oneside of the open framework is provided with a building facade (e.g.brick and mortar, steel panels, concrete panels) configured to simulatea commercial building. The building facade can be constructed to bestructural independent of the open framework (e.g. self supporting), orcan be directed supported by the open framework steel post and beamconstruction.

The facade can configured to exhibit a single theme or building sytle,or can be made so as to exhibit multiple themes or styles, for example,different styles along horizontal rows or vertical columns of theoverall facade and integrated together. For example, the entire facadecan exhibit a standard or conventional type architecture for the facadeof a commercial building. Alternatively, the front could exhibit aseries of row houses having a variety of different individual facadesconnected together to simulate a block of row houses. As a furtherexample, each tier or floor can have a different type or style ofcommercial building facade.

In addition, the sides and back of the emergency response training andexercise facility according to the present invention can also beprovided with building facades to simulate the sides and/or back of aresidential or commercial building. Preferably, at least one side is notprovided with a facade to allow the modular units to be loaded intomodular unit receivers in the site facility from the open side. In apreferred embodiment, the back side of the emergency response trainingand exercise facility is left open for loading of the mobile units fromthe back of the building into modular unit receivers defined by the openframework.

The building facade can be constructed so as to be relatively thin,(e.g. less than three feet in thickness) or can be constructed to bemore substantial, for example, three (3) foot to twenty (20) feet indepth to be self supporting for multiple floor or stories. In any event,it is preferable that the facade is connected and anchored to the steelpost and beam open framework to structurally connect and/or support thefacade as a portion of the overall site facility. Alternatively, or inaddition, the facade can be a free standing structure positionedadjacent to the steel post and beam open framework.

The steel post and beam open framework is preferably made fromstructural post and beams (e.g. steel posts and steel girders) bolted,welded and/or riveted together, the same or similar to the constructionof a conventional high-rise building. In a preferred embodiment, atleast one side, preferably the backside of the steel post and beam openframework is left open to allow loading of the modular units through theopenings on that particular side of the open framework defining modularunit receivers. For example, the space between the outer posts on thatparticular side are void of any additional vertical posts provided freespanning openings the width of the open framework defining modular unitreceivers. The steel post and beam open framework is preferablyconstructed with additional cross or transverse beams (e.g. girders)configured to support the bottom walls of the modular units when loadingand assembled within the steel post and beam open framework. Forexample, two or more cross or transverse beams (e.g. girders) areprovided and oriented to allow the bottom plate of the modular unit toslide on when loading the modular units into modular unit receivers on aparticular tier or floor. Optionally, the cross or transverse beams(e.g. girders) are provided with low friction surfaces (e.g. Teflon padsriveted or adhered to girders), or a plurality of rollers or rollersystem configured to support the bottom edges or walls of the modularunits. In this manner, the modular units, in particular cargo shippingcontainer modular units, can be partially loaded onto the transversebeams or girders with a forklift, crane or elevator, and then pushedand/or pulled to slide the cargo shipping container type modular unitinto position within the modular unit receivers of the steel post andbeam open framework.

The cargo shipping container type modular units can be lifted with heavyequipment such as a large forklift, crane or elevator into the openingsof the modular unit receivers provided on at least one side of the steelpost and beam open framework. In the case of a forklift, the forkliftcan then be used to lift and push the cargo shipping container typemodular unit into final position on a particular tier or floor.Alternatively, the steel post and beam open framework can be providedwith a cable, pulley or hydraulic system to connect with and load thecargo shipping container type modular units by pushing or pulling intofinal resting or installed position.

In an alternative embodiment, the emergency response training andexercise facility is provided with lifting equipment such as external orinternal cranes, hydraulic lifting equipment, and/or a cargo shippingcontainer type modular unit elevator located on one side of the openframework or within the interior of the open framework. In any event, itis desirable that the cargo shipping container type modular units afterbeing assembled into particular location can then later be rearranged atdifferent positions within the open framework to reconfigure the overallemergency training and exercise facility.

Another embodiment of the site facility according to the presentinvention is a reinforced concrete structure having reinforced concreteplates, posts and/or walls. In this manner, at least one side of thebuilding can be configured to provide openings into the modular unitreceivers to allow loading of the cargo shipping container type modularunits into at least one side of the site facility. Alternatively, aportion of the building can be a steel post and beam open frameworkcombined with a portion of the site facility being made of reinforcedconcrete construction.

In a further embodiment, the open framework is eliminated and the sitefacility consists of only a free standing building facade. The cargoshipping container type modular units are placed in positionside-by-side and/or above-and-below and adjacent to the back side of thebuilding facade, or preferably connected or locked thereto. The cargoshipping container type modular units can be bolted or pinned togetherat their corner connectors that same or similar in which cargo shippingcontainer type modular units or loaded and shipped on internationalshipping vessels to secure them together during trans-ocean voyage.

In a preferred embodiment, the simulated building facade is made ofglass panels, metal panels, concrete panels, plastic panels, fiberglasspanels, composite panels, concrete slabs, windows, doors, brick andmortar, stucco, stone and/or wood. Other conventional building parts,components and materials may also be utilized in constructing thesimulated building facade for the emergency response training andexercise facility according to the present invention.

The emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention is preferably provided with a control tower. Thecontrol tower preferably is configured to substantially extend above theheight of the emergency response training and exercise facility toprovide a vantage point for watching and viewing the training andexercises being conducted at the emergency response training andresponse facility. Further, when the emergency response training andexercise facility according to the present invention is integrated intoan emergency response training and exercise complex according to thepresent invention, the control tower can be configured to provide avantage point for viewing the entire emergency response training andexercise facility complex during operations.

The emergency response training and exercise complex according to thepresent invention, preferably includes the emergency response trainingand exercise facility according to the present invention as a part orportion thereof. For example, the emergency response training andexercise complex according to the present invention includes theemergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention in combination with one or more additional facilitiessuch as a separate school or classroom facility, separate outdoortraining and exercise facility, additional separate emergency responseand training exercise facility of the same or a different configuration,and/or other specialized facilities integrated together to define theemergency response training and exercise complex. In such a complex,preferably, there would exist numerous different types of personnel,equipment to conduct a wide variety of different operations directly orindirectly involving emergency response training and exercise facility.

The emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention is to provide an inexpensive solution for technicaltraining, specifically technical rescue training, explosive ordinancedisposal, chemical disposal, biological disposal, radiological disposal,nuclear disposal, fire training, police training and medical training.The purpose is to provide an intense realistic, scalable, and manageabletraining facility.

The emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention provides a relatively small footprint makingconstruction inexpensive, designed to be easy to maintain, and fireproof. It is desirable that at least the modular units can be easilytransported from a remote location to the particular site, andpreferably the site facility itself is also modular and can beconstructed at another location, transported, and then assembled orreassembled at the desired site location. It is preferred thatstate-of-the-art type construction methods, parts, components andmaterials are used in building the modular units and the site facilityof the emergency response training and exercise facility according tothe present invention.

Preferably, the modular units are prefabricated and providedpre-developed scenario boxes to simulate disaster environments orscenarios to provide training or exercise for a collapsed shoring, lawenforcement tactical operation, confine space rescue, search and rescueoperations, metal cutting, concrete operation, technical searchoperations, and disaster medicine. It is desired that multiplechallenges and scenarios are provided by the modular units. Cargoshipping container type modular units provide boxes that are easilymoved and configured, and filled with scenarios and training props. Itis desired that only a minimal number of personnel are required tooperate and maintain the modular units, site facility and emergencyresponse training and exercise facility according to the presentinvention.

In more advanced embodiments of the emergency response training andexercise facility, live video feed and taping can be provided within thefacility for training and monitoring purposes.

In some embodiments, the facility is provided with various rollercomponents or system to assist in moving boxes from one location toanother location within the site facility. The roller system would bedesigned to ease moving boxes on the same floor or level, and/or movingboxes from a level onto the elevator and up or down to another level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of a preferred embodiment ofthe emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a back and side perspective view of the emergency responsetraining and exercise facility, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back and side perspective view of the emergency responsetraining and exercise facility shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the emergency response training andexercise facility as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cargo shipping container type modularunit of the emergency response training and exercise facility shown inFIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trailer configured for transportingthe cargo shipping container type modular unit according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the trailer, as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of the trailer as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9A is a partial broken away side elevational view of the trailer,as shown in FIG. 6, in a transporting mode.

FIG. 9B is partial broken away side elevational view of the trailer, asshown in FIG. 6, in an unloading mode.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the emergencyresponse training and exercise facility according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 11A is a top planar view of an embodiment of the emergency responsetraining and exercise facility including a cargo shipping container typemodular unit elevator.

FIG. 11B is a side elevational view of the emergency response trainingand exercise facility including a modular unit elevator as shown in FIG.11A.

FIG. 12 is an aerial perspective view of an emergency response trainingand exercise complex according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of an emergency response training and exercisefacility 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-4.

The emergency response training and exercise facility 10 includes abuilding facade 12 connected to a steel post and beam open framework 14.

The building facade 12 is provided, for example, with windows 16,doorways 18, columns 20 and balconies 22. The building facade 16 isconfigured to simulate a building facade for a residential or commercialbuilding (e.g. commercial office building). In other embodiments, thebuilding facade can be configured to simulate other styles of commercialbuilding and/or residential building.

The open framework 14 includes posts 24 and beams 26. The posts 24 andbeams 26 are preferably made of steel, and connected together by bolts,welding and/or rivets.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the emergency response trainingand exercise facility 10 is provided with a building facade 12 at onlythe front of the open framework 14. Alternatively, one or moreadditional sides of the open framework 14 can be provided withadditional facades to simulate the sides or back of a building.

The emergency response training and exercise facility 10 includes thecombination of the site facility 28 and at least one, preferably aplurality of modular units 30, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

The site facility 28 of the embodiment of the emergency responsetraining and exercise facility 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, is astationary or fixed building structure constructed of building parts,components and materials (e.g. brick and mortar, steel posts, steelbeams, windows, columns, cast concrete balcony slabs and other buildingcomponents). These materials are transported to the site location, andthen the site facility 28 is built at a particular surveyed location.Alternatively, the site facility 28 can be partially assembled asseparate modular units at another location, then transported by truck orrail or by other means to a particular site location, and then assembledtogether to same construction time at the site location, and possiblyreduce construction cost for the site facility.

The modular units 30 are preferably constructed or made from new or usedconventional corrugated steel plate cargo shipping containers. Thesecargo shipping containers are particularly useful for construction ofthe modular units 30, due to their strong welded steel construction,designed to be hermitically sealed, available at low cost, and standardis size and construction. For example, a new or used cargo shippingcontainer is modified by cutting out one or more openings 32 (FIG. 3)through the corrugated steel side panel using a saw and/or cuttingtorch. Alternatively, or in addition, additional openings, doors,windows, hatches, panels or other features or facilities can be providedin the side panels, end panels, top panel and/or bottom panel of thecargo shipping container. These modifications allow for ingress andegress for personnel to move upwards, downwards, and/or sideways fromone cargo shipping container type modular unit 30 to one or moreadjacent cargo shipping container type modular unit 30 when the cargoshipping container type modular units loaded into the site facility 28.

The modular units 30 can be configured to provide the same disasterenvironment or scenario, or preferably each modular unit 30 can beconfigured to provide a different disaster environment or scenario. Theinterior of the modular units 30 can be provided with walls, partitions,doors, windows, closets, fixtures, equipment, plumbing, electricalservice, telephone service, cable service, internet service, satelliteservice, intercom, props and other features or options. In any event, itis preferred that each disaster environment or scenario closelysimulates an actual setting for a particular disaster environment orscenario. The modular units 30 can be provided with a wide variety ofequipment such as fire generators, fire simulation equipment, smokegenerators, heating, air conditioning, fans, sirens, bells, lightingfixtures, equipment to move movable walls, equipment to move movablepartitions, hatches, kitchen fixtures, bathroom fixtures, bedroomfixtures, living room fixtures, family room fixtures, study fixtures,factory equipment, remnants, articles, books, magazines, manuals,clothing and other items to closely simulate an actual or real disastersetting, environment, situation and/or scenario.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a high load capacity industrial forklift 34 isused to load the modular units 30 into the modular unit receivers 36,defined by the beams 26 and the side posts 24 on the back side of thesite facility 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the site facility 28 is wideenough to accept three (3) modular units 30 side-by-side on each tier orfloor. This configuration can provide a matrix arrangement to hold up totwelve (12) modular units 30 (i.e. three (3) column of modular units byfour (4) rows of modular units). However, the number of columns or rowscan be increased and/or decreased depending on the particular design ofthe emergency response training and exercise facility 10. In a preferredembodiment, there exist locking devices for securing the modular unitsto the open framework 14 and/or to adjacent modular units such as usingpins, bolts, mechanical locking mechanisms, cables, hydraulic rams orother suitable mechanical locking devices.

In an alternative embodiment, two (2) additional posts 24 are providedon each tier or floor on the back side of the site facility 28 tofurther define three (3) separate modular unit receivers 36 per tier orfloor. This arrangement will add increased strength for supporting thelength of the beams 26 located on the backside of the site facility 28.Optionally, the open framework 14 can be provided with flooring and/orroofing to close in the open framework per tier or floor for particulardesigns or applications.

A cargo shipping container type modular unit 30 is shown in FIG. 5. Thecargo shipping container type modular unit 30 is provided with a pair ofdoors 38 that open at the center of the width of the cargo shippingcontainer type modular unit 30. Specifically, the doors 38, 38 swingoutwardly to open the modular unit 30. The doors 38 are provided withlocking mechanisms 40 having handles 42 that pivot shafts 44 to open andclose latches 46 located at the top and bottom of the opening into thecargo shipping container type modular unit 30.

The cargo shipping container type modular unit 30 is provided withcorrugated steel sidewalls 48, top wall 50, bottom wall 52 and a pair ofend walls 54. The corrugation of the steel plate increases the bendingstrength of the individual walls along one direction. The corners 56 ofthe cargo shipping container type modular units 48 are provided withthrough holes 58, which are configured to allow adjacent modular unitslocated side-by-side or above-and-below to be connected and lockedtogether by bolts or pins (not shown) received within the through holes58 of the respective corners 56 of the cargo shipping container typemodular units 30.

The cargo shipping container type modular units 30 are constructedand/or fitted out at another location and then transported to the sitelocation for assembly into the site facility 28 of the emergencyresponse training and exercise facility 10 according to the presentinvention. The cargo shipping container type modular units 30 can be ofthe type shown in FIG. 5, and described above, or can be modularbuilding units constructed of framing (e.g. wood or metal studs),siding, flooring and roofing (i.e. preassembled), and then transportedto the location of the site facility 28, the same or similar to modularhome construction or modular commercial building construction. The cargoshipping container type modular unit are preferable due to their lowcost, high availability, high structural strength, hermetically sealing,connection or anchoring corner points, and strong door and lockingsystem. These types of cargo shipping containers can be purchased new orused, and then constructed and fitted out at another location and thenshipped or transported to the site location for loading into the sitefacility 28 for assembling the emergency response training and exercisefacility 10 according to the present invention.

The cargo shipping container type modular units 30 can be transported tothe location of the site facility 28 by a variety of methods includingtruck, rail, ship, ground, air, or other conventional means oftransportation. For example, the cargo shipping container type modularunits 30 can be trucked to a location by use of a trailer 60, as shownin FIG. 6 to 9.

The trailer 60 includes a frame 62 having side rails 64 and cross beams66. The trailer 60 is provided with a king pin type trailer hitch 68 forcoupling with a king pin type receiver on a tractor-trailer or traileror other commercial vehicle equipped with such receiver. A pair oftandem axles 70 are provided with sets of wheels 72, which axles 70 areconnected to the frame 62 by beams 74.

The trailer 60 is provided with a tilting mechanism 76 including a pinarrangement for allowing the frame 62 to tilt relative to the trailer60, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Another embodiment of the emergency response training and exercisefacility 110 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. Inthis embodiment, the site facility 28 is provided with a control tower178 having windows 180 defining an indoor control center and a railing182 to define a roof level and means for connecting climbing ropes andother equipment for training and exercise personnel to scale the side ofthe site facility 28.

The control tower 178 can be occupied by personnel to overlook andcontrol the emergency response training and exercise at the emergencyresponse training and exercise facility 110. Further, the control tower178 can also be used for the same purpose with respect to an emergencyresponse training and exercise complex according to the presentinvention wherein the emergency response training and exercise facility110 is only a part or portion of the complex.

A further embodiment of the emergency response training and exercisefacility 210 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 11A and11B.

In this embodiment, a modular unit elevator 184 is provided adjacent tothe backside of the site facility 228, and configured for liftingmodular units 230 to different levels and locations within the openframework 214.

The elevator 184 rides on two (2) sets of rails 186 anchored to theground, asphalt, or cement slab providing a working surface for theforklift 234. The elevator 184 can be provided with a drive 188 formoving the elevator 184 back and forth along the rails 186. The elevatorincludes a lifting mechanism, for example, a drive motor 190 providedwith a set of pulleys 192 operating cables 194 for lifting and loweringa elevator platform 196.

In use, the forklift 234 lifts a modular unit 230 and loads the modular230 onto the elevator platform 196. The elevator 184 is moved to theproper position (i.e. particular column location) and then lifts themodular unit 230 to the selected level. A separate drive or cablemechanism is utilized for pushing or pulling the modular unit 230 fromthe elevator platform 196 into a modular unit receiver of the openframework 214 of the site facility 228.

An even further embodiment of the emergency response training andexercise facility according to the present invention can be a facility10 shown in FIG. 1, however, with the framework 14 removed. In thisembodiment the cargo shipping container type modular units 30 are loadedby use of a forklift or crane in a particular side-by-side andabove-and-below arrangement directly in contact with each other andsecured together using coupling pins. The cargo shipping container typemodular units are positioned directly behind and adjacent a freestanding building facade, and optionally can be secured or anchored insome manner thereto. In this manner the cargo shipping container typemodular units themselves provide the structural support for cargoshipping container type modular units resting on top of cargo shippingcontainer type modular units the same or similar in manner in whichcargo shipping containers are currently shipped on large internationaltrans-ocean shipping vessels. In this arrangement, the steel openframework 14 is totally eliminated, making the site facility lessexpensive to construct.

An embodiment of the emergency response training and exercise complex300 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 12.

The emergency response training and exercise complex 300 includes anemergency response training and exercise facility 310 according to thepresent invention, a separate school facility 320 containing classrooms,and other facilities.

The emergency response training and exercise facility according to thepresent invention includes at least one modular unit and one sitefacility. Preferably, a plurality of modular units are loaded into asite facility readied for operations.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of modular units are loaded intothe site facility by use of lifting equipment (e.g. forklift and/ormodular unit elevator). Preferably, all of the modular unit receiversare loaded with modular units in a particular configuration orarrangement. Additional modular units can be stored at or near thefacility to allow quick change thereof to change disaster environments,arrangement and/or scenarios.

Preferably, the modular units once loaded within a modular unitreceivers of the site facility are secured, or more preferably, lockedinto place so as not to move during the training and exerciseoperations. For example, the various floors or levels of the sitefacility can be provided with a floor, ceiling or wall lockingmechanism(s) that engages or cooperates with the individual modularunits, and/or the modular units can be secured together by pins, bolts,comealongs, cables, or other mechanical couplers or fasteners.

During operations, training or exercise personnel man the control towerof the facility, and begin operations by personnel entering into themodular units. The training or exercise operations continue for a periodof time to allow adequate training or exercise. The front, sides andback of the site facility can be scaled using ropes, ladders or otherclimbing equipment, and even the control tower can also be scaled bycertain personnel during the training or exercise operations. Thepersonnel within the control tower, may for example, control operationsby use of speaker system, two-way radio, placards, intercom or othercommunication method, observe personnel, video record (e.g. video tape)and watch over the operations to maintain a high level of training andsafety.

1. An emergency response training and exercise facility, comprising: aplurality of modular units configured to simulate at least one disasterenvironment; and a site facility having a plurality of modular unitreceivers configured to receive said plurality of modular units in aparticular arrangement.
 2. An emergency training facility, comprising: aplurality of modular units configured to simulate at least one disasterenvironment; and a site facility having a plurality of modular unitreceivers configured to receive said plurality of modular units in amatrix arrangement.
 3. An emergency response training and exercisefacility, comprising: a plurality of modular units configured tosimulate at least one disaster environment, said modular units beingcargo shipping containers fitted out to simulate at least one disasterenvironment when assembled together, said modular units being configuredto provide egress and ingress from one modular unit to an adjacentmodular unit when assembled together; and a site facility having aplurality of elongated modular unit receivers configured to receive saidplurality of modular units in a three dimensional matrix multi-tierarrangement so that when said modular units are installed into said sitefacility said modular units will be arranged parallel relative to eachother and located side-by-side and above-and-below relative to eachother, said site facility configured to secure said modular unitstogether to provide an integrated fixed three dimensional multi-tiersimulated disaster environment, said site facility being configured withsaid plurality of modular unit receivers being open on one side of saidsite facility to allow said plurality of modular units to be loaded intosaid plurality of modular unit receivers with lifting equipment forassembly of said emergency response training and exercise facility.
 4. Afacility according to claim 1, wherein said modular units are cargoshipping containers fitted out to simulate at least one disasterenvironment, said cargo shipping containers being provided with one ormore openings configured to provided egress and ingress with one or moreadjacent cargo shipping containers when installed into said sitefacility.
 5. A facility according to claim 1, wherein said site facilityis a building provided with a plurality of modular unit receivers.
 6. Afacility according to claim 1, wherein said site facility is an openframework configured to provide said plurality of modular unit receiversto support said plurality of said modular units.
 7. A facility accordingto claim 6, wherein said open framework is an open post and beam steelframework configured to define said plurality of modular unit receiversand configured to support said plurality of said modular units whenassembled with said site facility, said site facility being providedwith a facade to simulate a building on at least one side of said sitefacility.
 8. A facility according to claim 7, wherein said site facilityis configured so that said plurality of modular units are supported andrest on at least one set of horizontal cross beams when installed intosaid site facility.
 9. A facility according to claim 8, wherein saidopen post and beam steel framework is provided with horizontal crossbeams on both a front side and back side of said site facility todirectly support said plurality of modular units.
 10. A facilityaccording to claim 7, wherein said site facility is provided with afacade configured to simulate a front of a building, said facade beingconnected to and anchored to said open post and beam steel framework.11. A facility according to claim 7, wherein said simulated facadeincludes at least one selected from the group consisting of glasspanels, metal panels, concrete panels, plastic panels, fiberglasspanels, composite panels, concrete slabs, windows, doors, brick andmortar and stucco.
 12. A facility according to claim 1, wherein saidsite facility is a steel reinforced poured concrete structure havingconcrete floors and walls configured to define said plurality of modularunit receivers and capable of supporting said plurality of modularunits.
 13. A facility according to claim 1, wherein said modular unitreceivers are located side-by-side.
 14. A facility according to claim 1,wherein said modular unit receivers are located above-and-below.
 15. Afacility according to claim 13, wherein said modular unit receivers arelocated above-and-below.
 16. A facility according to claim 1, whereinsaid modular unit receivers are arranged in multiple tiers.
 17. Afacility according to claim 1, wherein said modular unit receivers arelocated in a vertical and horizontal three-dimensional matrixarrangement.
 18. A facility according to claim 1, wherein said sitefacility is a modular site facility configured to be assembled on site.19. A facility according to claim 1, wherein said modular units areconfigured to be locked together when installed into said site facility.20. A facility according to claim 1, wherein said emergency trainingfacility is configured to provide disaster training for at least oneselected from the group consisting of fire, rescue, smoke, explosion,hazardous materials, emergency medical, police, FBI, CIA, homelandsecurity, terrorism, assault, battle and war.